San Francisco Sights A to Z
Alcatraz
An overview of the infamous island in San Francisco Bay, including logistics for visiting.
An overview of the infamous island in San Francisco Bay, including logistics for visiting.
Angel Island State Park
In the San Francisco Bay, accessible by ferry. Historical buildings here include Immigration Station, sometimes called the "Ellis Island of the West." Other activities include hiking and photographing the 360-degree views of the bay.
In the San Francisco Bay, accessible by ferry. Historical buildings here include Immigration Station, sometimes called the "Ellis Island of the West." Other activities include hiking and photographing the 360-degree views of the bay.
Aquarium of the Bay
A diver's-eye view of the bay.
A diver's-eye view of the bay.
Bay Bridge
All about the "other" bridge linking San Francisco to Oakland.
All about the "other" bridge linking San Francisco to Oakland.
Cable Car Museum
It's called a museum, but it's really a tour of the heart of the cable car operation where you can see the cables being turned.
It's called a museum, but it's really a tour of the heart of the cable car operation where you can see the cables being turned.
Cable Cars
Everything you need to know about the city's rolling landmarks: where to get tickets, how and where to get on and off and where they run.
Everything you need to know about the city's rolling landmarks: where to get tickets, how and where to get on and off and where they run.
Chinatown
Rich in Chinese culture and one of San Francisco's top attractions. A tour from your About.com guide.
Rich in Chinese culture and one of San Francisco's top attractions. A tour from your About.com guide.
City Hall
San Francisco's 55-story city hall is taller than the United States capital and it is considered one of the finest examples of classical architecture in the country.
San Francisco's 55-story city hall is taller than the United States capital and it is considered one of the finest examples of classical architecture in the country.
Cliff House
Better thought of as a sight than a restaurant. People have been coming here since 1863.
Better thought of as a sight than a restaurant. People have been coming here since 1863.
Coit Tower
This white tower atop Telegraph Hill is a San Francisco icon. Our guide tells how to get there, when to visit and how to see the second-floor murals.
This white tower atop Telegraph Hill is a San Francisco icon. Our guide tells how to get there, when to visit and how to see the second-floor murals.
Ferry Building
A history of the Ferry Building, summary of what you can do and see and eat there.
A history of the Ferry Building, summary of what you can do and see and eat there.
Fillmore Street
Shop like a San Franciscan along one of the city's most interesting streets.
Shop like a San Franciscan along one of the city's most interesting streets.
Fisherman's Wharf
Learn how to go behind the scenes at this famous San Francisco attraction.
Learn how to go behind the scenes at this famous San Francisco attraction.
Fort Point National Historic Site
In San Francisco, under the Golden Gate Bridge.
In San Francisco, under the Golden Gate Bridge.
Ghirardelli Square
Home to the famous chocolate-maker, interesting shops and some good restaurants.
Home to the famous chocolate-maker, interesting shops and some good restaurants.
Golden Gate Bridge
Our guide tells you where to park without worrying about getting a ticket, where to find all the best views of the bridge and when you can take a guided tour.
Our guide tells you where to park without worrying about getting a ticket, where to find all the best views of the bridge and when you can take a guided tour.
Golden Gate National Recreation Area
Covers many locations in San Francisco. An urban national park.
Covers many locations in San Francisco. An urban national park.
Golden Gate Park
One of the country's most famous urban parks. Lean where to find the buffalo herd, Japanese Tea Garden or one of its famous museums.
One of the country's most famous urban parks. Lean where to find the buffalo herd, Japanese Tea Garden or one of its famous museums.
Haight-Ashbury
Return to the scene of the Summer of Love.
Return to the scene of the Summer of Love.
Jackson Square
The only remnant of the 1800s commercial district.
The only remnant of the 1800s commercial district.
Japanese Tea Garden
Designed by fortune cookie inventor Makoto Hagiwara for the 1894 Midwinter International Exposition. Get $1 off admission with your Muni Passport.
Designed by fortune cookie inventor Makoto Hagiwara for the 1894 Midwinter International Exposition. Get $1 off admission with your Muni Passport.
Lombard Street
Seeing the "crookedest" street is really quite straightforward. Find out where it is and how to get there.
Seeing the "crookedest" street is really quite straightforward. Find out where it is and how to get there.
Maritime National Historical Park
Commonly called Hyde Street Pier, this outdoor park has some great ships to explore.
Commonly called Hyde Street Pier, this outdoor park has some great ships to explore.
Mission Dolores
Founded, in 1776, its proper name is Mission San Francisco de Asis.
Founded, in 1776, its proper name is Mission San Francisco de Asis.
Nike Missile Site
This Cold War remnant is open to the public once a month. Located in the Marin Headlands, near Sausalito.
This Cold War remnant is open to the public once a month. Located in the Marin Headlands, near Sausalito.
Nob Hill
Some call it "snob hill". The spoils of money are everywhere!
Some call it "snob hill". The spoils of money are everywhere!
North Beach
San Francisco's "Little Italy" has much to offer. Our guide points out the area's most interesting attractions.
San Francisco's "Little Italy" has much to offer. Our guide points out the area's most interesting attractions.
Pier 39
Our guide to Pier 39 includes a summary of the things you'll find there ande some practical tips about parking.
Our guide to Pier 39 includes a summary of the things you'll find there ande some practical tips about parking.
Point Bonita Lighthouse
Guarding the entrance to the Golden Gate, just getting to this lighthouse is half the fun.
Guarding the entrance to the Golden Gate, just getting to this lighthouse is half the fun.
Ripley's Believe it or Not
Weird and weirder, the kind of stuff kids love. Sign up for the birthday club and get discount coupons.
Weird and weirder, the kind of stuff kids love. Sign up for the birthday club and get discount coupons.
San Francisco Zoo
Some say all of San Francisco is a zoo, but this is the official one.
Some say all of San Francisco is a zoo, but this is the official one.
Shrine of St Francis of Assisi
Established in 1849, the current structure was built in 1860 and it has survivied both of the big quakes.
Established in 1849, the current structure was built in 1860 and it has survivied both of the big quakes.
Metreon
An entertainment complex that includes several movie theaters and an IMAX theater.
An entertainment complex that includes several movie theaters and an IMAX theater.
The Castro
One of the best-known gay districts in the country is a quiet neighborhood with lots of local shops.
One of the best-known gay districts in the country is a quiet neighborhood with lots of local shops.
The Presidio
It was a military base for over 200 years, but now it belongs to the National Park Service. Over 1500 acres of land with hiking trails and terrific views.
It was a military base for over 200 years, but now it belongs to the National Park Service. Over 1500 acres of land with hiking trails and terrific views.
Union Square
Our guide to the third-largest shopping area in the United States includes a street-by-street guide to the square and surrounding area.
Our guide to the third-largest shopping area in the United States includes a street-by-street guide to the square and surrounding area.
Wave Organ
A wave-activated acoustic sculpture.
A wave-activated acoustic sculpture.